Conspiracy theories surround televised ambush

Miriam Elder -Jan 22, 2013

Close call ... Oktai Enimehmedov points a weapon at Ahmed Dogan, leader of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, during his speech at his party's congress in Sofia at the weekend. Photo: AP Photo/ BTVnews

MOSCOW: Millions of viewers watched a man storm a stage in Bulgaria and point his gun at a prominent opposition politician live on television.

But many are trying to separate fact from fiction as they puzzle over his motivation.

Police arrested Oktai Enimehmedov, 25, after he pulled a gun on Ahmed Dogan, the leader of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, which is supported by Muslims, including some Turks.

Police say Mr Enimehmedov was holding a gas pistol loaded with pepper spray, and two other ''bullets'' that were noise makers.

He pointed the gun at Mr Dogan's head during a party congress in the capital, Sofia, but failed to shoot. He was beaten by guards and party members as TV cameras continued to roll.

Mr Enimehmedov, an ethnic Turk, reportedly left a note at his home addressed to his mother, saying he had no intention of killing Mr Dogan but wanted to show him he was not ''untouchable''.

Police said they thought Mr Enimehmedov, an architecture student with a criminal record for drugs, theft and assault, had acted alone. But officials have had to address claims the party may have staged the ''assassination attempt'' to boost its image.

The Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, said he believed the attack was ''probably not staged''.

The Movement for Rights and Freedoms has been dogged by accusations of corruption for years. Mr Dogan, who has led the party for nearly 25 years, was acquitted of corruption charges two years ago.

''It seems like [the gun pointing was] a pretty artificial attempt to present their party as a victim, to rally their voters, to strengthen their line,'' said Ivan Dikov, the editor of Sofia News Agency. ''They have a lot to recover from.''

Hours after the attack Mr Dogan appeared at the party congress to a standing ovation to go ahead with a planned resignation. His long-time aide, Lyutvi Mestan, is expected to replace him. Observers believe Mr Dogan will find a way to maintain control over the party.

''Now he's this targeted leader, the spiritual head of his community - like a victim, a martyr,'' Mr Dikov suggested.

The gun used by Mr Enimehmedov, who may face six years in jail, could not have delivered a fatal shot, police said.

Bulgarians are watching the case closely in part because Mr Enimehmedov's brother Metin shot to fame in 2007 after winning the reality show Dance with Me. ''He was a terrific dancer,'' Mr Dikov said.